The City of Orange Beach has provided the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo with a $50,000 annual sponsorship to support the zoo with any upcoming developments such as new enclosures or educational programs.

"That zoo is such a gem, and we need to find a way to help get it funded and keep it funded," Mayor Tony Kennon said at the Sept. 3 city council meeting when the sponsorship was approved.

As a nonprofit, the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo operates using funds received from memberships, visitors, donors or sponsorships, like this one. There are currently over 300 animals under the care of the zoo.

In a letter to Orange Beach's city council, zoo leaders stated that over this past year they have added new animals and updated exhibits and educational areas. New "adventure exhibit spaces" for their ring-tailed lemurs and sulcata tortoises were also added this past year.

"Most importantly, we were able to educate hundreds about conservation through community events, field trips and other educational programs," the letter stated.

The Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo is open every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 20499 Oak Road in Gulf Shores. Tickets are available for purchase at the zoo's gift shop entry or on their website at www.alabamagulfcoastzoo.com.